Category: North America

Final Planning Weeks – US Trip

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Due to a number of reasons our planned trip to the US has been brought forward and extended by a few weeks.

Now leaving Sunday 10th July and returning Monday 5th September – a total of 6 weeks.  Ian starts his new job on 8th September 2011.  We are planning two full weeks in Abilene with Scott and Leonie before we fly home, a perfect way to end our trip.

I am currently in the final stages of planning. Flights have been changed (ouch) especially when I originally had return flights for the great price of $998 return Dallas. Qantas certainly make changes to flights expensive but it has been worth it for us at this time.

Sadly we will now miss Indee’s first birthday but will Skype in to be a part of all the birthday action.

For those interested, I am going to post our proposed driving itinerary here in the next couple of days. Keep in mind the only confirmed bookings are flights in and flights home so things could change as we go along

Anyone with suggestions for places to visit and things to do please add them here

This trip was originally planned to take in the Iowa State Fair, we are still going to get to the fair and it will be fun to compare it with Sydney’s own Easter show.

LA again….

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It seems we have been in LA many times as anywhere but here we are again. The weather is wonderful and it feels so nice to see decent sunshine and enjoying the 20c plus temperatures especially after the last few weeks. It will hopefully help us to acclimatise somewhat before we head home to the heat. Ian said he will never complain about the heat again…I give him two days, three at the outside before it’s too hot and he can wait for winter.

Our flight from New York was uneventful and we very smoothly made easier by staying close to JFK in a very nice La Quinta. Best part it only cost $20 because I had earned enough loyalty points from other stays and managed to get a free night (exception taxes). It had recently been renovated and water very comfortable.


We decide as we are in Los Angeles we should visit the Walk of Fame etc. We had picked up a car at the airport on the previous night so getting there was easy with trusty Tom. We had a pleasant day wandering around and check out the Kodak Theatre (Oscars) and other attractions. On the way home, we headed to the coast and drove from Venice beach down past Del Rae marina. I have never seen so many watercraft tied up in one place. It was incredible to think of how many people own boats here. I guess lots of money, water and sunshine are key factors.

 

The next day we headed to Disneyland which was fun and we put in a full day. It was good but maybe not quite as good as the Orlando Disneyland but still well worth the money. We didn’t go to other parks in the complex just Disneyland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The weather was perfect and we walked all day before boarding the train for one last ride around the park before heading home to an Italian dinner. We found this place on our first night in from New York and it was outstanding so we thought it fitting to have our last dinner here.

Tomorrow we check out and return the car before flying out to Oz at 10.30pm and the trip will be done.

First, we have to pack and getting everything it will be fun. Each case must be under 23kgs and that is the challenge.

We land at 8.30am Sunday 17th and should be home at lunchtime.

Roosevelt Hotel New York

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Our home for the next 5 nights. Ian drove from Washington to New York, uneventful trip and

even managed to drive down Broadway and Fifth Ave on the way to the hotel. Although we felt like the odd one out a bit with all the yellow cabs. Apparently, they are more than 2000 in Manhatten and yes I think they we all going our way.

After dropping mum and the bags to the room Ian and I headed to JFK to deliver the rental car back. We caught the Skytrain to Jamaica Station then boarded the metro to Penn Station. We arrived at Penn and decided to walk to the hotel it wasn’t too cold walking and we enjoyed the exercise. We headed to a little deli near the hotel for dinner.

The next morning we walked to Rockefeller Plaza and caught the hop on hop off bus to do the downtown loop. It was freezing fortunately the bus was covered in but not good for photos. We left the bus at the Empire State building and headed towards the top, after a quick security check we were on our way up. The weather was very clear so we could see for miles. After the Empire State building, we headed across the street to spend a bit of time in Macy’s. Back on the bus for the rest of the downtown loop and getting colder by the minute. We had a good day but were pleased to see the hotel and hot showers.

Didn’t feel like going out or dinner so order in Chinese which arrived what seemed like mere minutes after we ordered it. The next day we worked out they deliver using bikes which is how they get through the traffic so quickly. It was delicious and my wonton soup was the best.

The next morning we walked to where we could catch the Hop on Hop off bus for the uptown loop. This took up both sides of Central Park and past the Museum (we had complimentary tickets so decided to take a look) it was interesting and a good place to warm up before the last part of the loop back to Fifth Ave. We left the bus at Fifth Ave and walked along Fifth till we got to 46th street (back entrance to the hotel) It was interesting and looks of great shopping where the plastic could be melted into an unrecognizable state if shopping was the go. Too cold for me but saw a couple of places I would visit tomorrow. The concierge got us reservations at Becco’s for lunch tomorrow, can’t wait it is supposed to be fantastic. We walked up to a Pizza place on Fifth Ave for dinner. It was really good, so good I went back for a second slice. The slices are like a small pizza at home.

Today we were going to take the two-hour circle line cruise but 10am came around too soon and we thought 4pm would be too late for us as it was a two-hour tour. We walk down Fifth again to Macy’s, I picked up some sports shirts for the boys at NBA store on the way.

We made it to Macy’s and spend three hours exploring the store before walking down Broadway until we hit 46th St again and headed to Becco’s for the best Italian I had outside of Italy. Two bottles of wine later and stuffed full of pasta we waddled back up 46th through Times Square to our hotel. Definitely, no dinner needed.

Sarah this breaks all early bird records dinner at 2pm in bed by 5pm asleep soon after.

Our final full day in New York we finally got motivated enough to make the 10am Circleline cruise and to our surprise and delight, it was heated inside. A good thing because the ice was forming in the Hudson and it was a whopping -7c at 11am halfway through the cruise. The ferry had to break through the ice near the wharf to get underway, tour guide suggested that the river would freeze right over if the cold keeps up much longer. The cruise was again very informative and well worth doing we cruise around the downtown area, the statue of Liberty and up the east river under the Brooklyn bridge and back again. After the cruise, we caught a taxi back to the hotel and rested up for dinner. We had a dinner reservation at Benjamin’s Steakhouse at 6pm.

What can I say about dinner it was terrific the service was outstanding and we decided to go with the house specialty Porterhouse for three. The plate can out with two of the thickest T bone steaks I have ever seen which had been aged for a minimum 25 days. It was sliced in filet pieces and cooked to perfection. The waiter served it at the table and we had creamed spinach and mash as sides. This was a memorable meal and I will have to go back when next in New York. Mark and Frank McKillop eat your heart out.

Will add pics from LA flying there now

Brrrrr – Washington

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Washington is full of wonderful sightseeing opportunities but boy it was cold. The first day we spent walking down to the Capitol Building and a visit to the National Museum of the America Indian (excellent but also warmer) it got to a top of -4c and with the wind chill factor could have been as low as -10c. Back to the museum it was very well done and gave a great insight into the history of the American Indians and also how they are maintaining their identity in current times. All displayed were interesting and the stories well told.

Day 2 was warmer it got to zero as the top but after yesterday it felt positively balmy. We caught the hop on hop off bus and we stayed on around the entire loop to get the lay of the land. This tour was great and the bus had heated seats and was the best place to see the sights, we even braved upstairs for a while to take photos, boy it was cold but worth it. We decided we would stay on the bus and only get off for a late lunch at Johnny Rockets before boarding the next bus and heading for home…A long hot shower never felt so good. After we warmed and rested up we decided on a steak in the hotel restaurant, we all had the new york with mash and veggies it was very good

Day three we decided to board the bus again and get off at White House, St Peter and Paul’s Cathedral, Arlington Cemetery, and the Lincoln Memorial. From the memorial, we walked along the reflecting pool down to  Washington’s monument. It was really cold and the reflecting pool was frozen over but well worth the walk but we were pleased when the bus picked us up again and dropped us near our hotel. Another shower needed to thaw out. Tomorrow we head out and collect a rental from Reagan Airport and drive to the big apple

 

Lancaster Harrisburg and Gettysburg

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We left Philadelphia behind and headed towards Lancaster PA via Valley Forge (The place Washington marshalled his army). It was a nice drive throught the parkland and on this snowey day it is easy to see why half of his men froze to death during a very cold winter. The drive to Lnacaster was uneventful, when we arrived we drove around and saw some of the armish people in their buggys.

Lancaster was much bigger than we expected but was interesting. After a late lunch we headed towards Harrisburg where we planned to spend the night. No dinner needed after lunch but Ian and I did a quick coffee run to Maccas which was a few doors up from the hotel. Too cold to walk we drove a rediculous 100 yards but figured the coffee would be cold if we carried it home on foot. What did Ian order…a thick shake!!!! What was he thinking!!!

Next morning we set out for Gettysburg which was on our way back to Washington. As it was early when we got to Gettysburg the quaint little shops we still closed but it looked like a very interesting place. We visit the Gettyburg information centre and checked out the displays but did’t take the battlefields tour as it was very cold and we didn’t want to get back to WWashington too late as the car was due back today. Car delivered back to Baltimore on time and Ian and I caught the bus then train back to Washington where mum was waiting in our hotel (home for next four nights). Our connection from the bus to the train was at Greenbelt, the station was in the open on top of a hill the wind was howling and it was dark by 5pm, pleased to say the train came in 3 minutes after we got up on the platform or otherwise we would have frozen to death. Trip to hotel uneventful.

Snow in Philly

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We stayed in Philadelphia an extra day as we woke to the snow coming down steadily. We didn’t fancy taking on the roads today so decided to book another night and see in the New Year in Philly. Our hotel was just along the wharf from where the fireworks were going to be set off. The morning was spent wandering around the downtown area and trying not to fall over in the snow, most of the streets were cleared but some were still all covered in snow. We returned to the hotel at three to settle in for the night. It gets dark at 5pm so is quite gloomy by 4pm especially with the heavy cloud cover. We ordered in Chinese from the Mandarin House and yes they came in the little boxes and a paper bag just like on tv.

Back on the road again

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We flew into Baltimore in DC yesterday and picked up the rental car before heading 40 miles down the road to Aberdeen Maryland for our first night.

After a great time in Abilene for Christmas, we felt a little strange to be on the move again. We boarded our plane in Abilene at 8am Tuesday just as the snow started to fall. After the plane was checked for a mechanical fault and a thorough de-icing of the plane we finally got off the ground at 9.45am as the snow was really getting heavy. An hour later the sky was clear and we were landing in Dallas. Lunch at TGI Fridays while waiting for our connection to Baltimore. Second flight uneventful and after shuttle ride to the rental facility we collected our Sonata and head towards Philadelphia.

After a good night, we set off to Philly arriving at our hotel at 12noon. They were able to let us have our room early so we checked in and set off to walk around the downtown area and check out the liberty bell. Lots of history here and some lovely old buildings. Tomorrow on the way out of town Ian is going to run up the Rocky steps or at least we might walk up them.

San Antonio and the Alamo

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Sunday morning we set off on a four-hour drive to San Antonio. We had a break at Brady for donuts and coffee. We arrived at San Antonio at 2pm and headed to the Mexican markets for a couple of hours while waiting to check in to our room at the Courtyard on Marriot. After checking in we headed to Landry’s on the river walk for dinner. We had yet another huge meal and then decided to walk it off by walking along the river walk to our hotel. It was so pretty with all the Christmas lights and decorations.

 

The weather was warm and perfect for a stroll before bed. Day two we all headed to the Alamo after a Mexican breakfast in a well known Mexican restaurant. There is some much history in this place and it is not hard to imagine what it was like in days gone by.
After the Alamo and a bit of shopping at the river centre, we headed back to the hotel for an afternoon siesta. A cruise on the river was followed by dinner at another Mexcian restaurant right on the edge of the river. The best nachos ever. After dinner, we strolled back to the hotel at about 9.30pm. Tomorrow we head for the outlet malls at San Marcos buts a whole other story.

The coast road from San Fransico to Los Angeles

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We set off early with only a 2 hour drive through some really pretty countryside. Monterey was decided on as our first of two overnight stops along the way. Monterey was is just outside Carmel by the Sea which is a very exclusive place to visit and the quaint little shops were interesting but certainly on the high end price-wise and if you didn’t have a dog on a leash you felt positively underdressed. Each of the stores had a dog water bowl on the footpath for the pooches. We wandered for a couple of hours and then headed back to Monterey for an early dinner at Chilli’s before retiring to the hotel. The food was great as was the hotel.

Day two we headed off down highway 1. The weather was clear and the drive again was very scenic. Today we were headed for Ventura which is only two hours north of LA. This is certainly worth doing and I would recommend this drive to anyone. The driving was not too difficult and there are lots of places to pull over to take pictures and a break.

A highlight was a stop off to view the elephant seal colony, although they were not what you would call energetic.

Tomorrow we fly to Abilene where we will stay for Christmas. Bring on the West Texas BBQ.

San Francisco

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As mentioned in previous post the rain as forecast was coming down, although it was easier throughout the middle of the day. We headed to Fisherman Wharf and parked the car in a nearby carpark. We decided given the weather to catch the Hop on Hop off bus around the downtown area and some of the main sites. We will take the other route across the Golden Gate bridge tomorrow. The bus ride was very informative and I didn’t realise this was where Levi jeans were first made and remains the world head quarters for this company.

After the tour we headed for Pier 39 to check out the shops and the seals snoozing on the docks. Not so many today but enough to make the walk worthwhile. After spending time taking photos of the seals and of Alcartraz which could be seen easily from the end of the pier. We decided on lunch at where else but Bubba Gumps and yes we all had shrimp but I also had the clam chowder, I can never resist a good chowder. After a very enjoyable lunch, our table overlooked the bay, we head back to the pier for a wander through the stores.

The rain was starting to get heavier so we decided to call it a day, collect the car and head back to the hotel.

Day 2 saw the weather improve a little but still showering heavily at times. The sun tried hard a couple of times to put in an appearance but not successful. The day started for us after parking the car again near Fisherman’s Wharf the catching the Hop on Hop off tour over the Golden Gate bridge and in to Sausolito. We donned the rain ponchos provided and proceeded to top of the bus, Sharpie declined and stayed downstairs and dry. Not sure why he wouldn’t want to ride around in top of open double decker bus in the rain ducking rain soaked tree branches.

It was so worth a bit of moisture and cold to experience driving across the Golden Gate in such a way. The views of the city and the bay were ourstanding and the guide commented on the views as often in good weather fog or smog blocks the view. The next part of the journey was to the quaint, very exculusive and expensive Sausolito. This was interesting and on a fine day it would have been fun to wander around and catch the ferry back to the city, not for us given the weather.

After a hot chocolate and drying off a bit we headed to Union Square and visited Macy’s, very crowded with shoppers so we didn’t hang around long before taking a drive around some of the steep streets for a look before heading back to the hotel, it was teaming with rain by this time and Ian was doing well with the driving especially through the main part of the city in such conditions. We had a very early dinner or late lunch at Denny’s which was located next to our hotel. A wet but enjoyable visit in San Francisco tomorrow we head back towards Los Angles via the coast road.